The Story of Your Dog

A Straightforward Guide to a Complicated Animal

By: Brandon McMillan

Narrated by: Dan Woren

GET TO KNOW YOUR DOG. Renowned expert dog trainer and bestselling author of Lucky Dog Lessons Brandon McMillan unpacks the unique and often misunderstood 15,000-year evolutionary history governing a dog’s every move.

Most dog owners know the truth—their dogs are totally incompatible with the modern world. Instincts like herding, chasing, and protecting have no natural outlet and frequently result in chewing, barking, nipping, jumping, lunging, and worse. However, as McMillan argues in these pages, the solution isn’t as simple as mastering “sit” and “stay.”

No matter what kind of dog you have, no matter how old or young or well trained or well-bred, your beloved companion is strongly influenced by his DNA. The result of these genetic distinctions shows up in every inch and action—from the size and shape of a dog’s head (and the brain inside it) to the length and curve of his tail, from the texture of her fur to the webbing (or lack of webbing) between her toes. It’s in their lung capacity, their tolerance for heat and cold, their appetites for food and exercise, and whether and how they bark. It goes beyond their structure and deep into their psychological profiles. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a dog with more than a few breeds mixed in, which makes this information all the more crucial to know and understand.

In The Story of Your Dog, McMillan breaks down why your dog acts the way it does, so you can train better and easier, with fewer missteps and miscommunications, and bond in ways you never thought possible. It is an invitation to get to know the sometimes frustrating but always incredible dog at the other end of the leash.

Educational and entertaining

I enjoyed watching Brandon in Lucky on Dog on TV. I miss him. This audio has helped me understand the quirks of my mixed breed dogs. I had their DNA tested. I think I'll be re-reading this audiobook for years to come.

The knowledge it provides

This book provides a great deal of information about so many breeds. It is great information .

Educative and Insightful

A first time dog parent, this book has been for me light in a dark place. I appreciate the detail the writer shares about a wide range of dog breeds and the historical influences that have shaped their personalities. It is an easy listen with interesting anecdotes that add life and colour to the words. A necessary investment for any person that truly loves their dog and desires to give them all the love and fulfillment they deserve.

Excellent Insight Into Breed History and Traits

As a lifelong dog lover, observer, and trainer, I admit to starting the book with a “who is this guy and what does he know” attitude. However, the historical information about each group and individual breeds quickly gained my attention and respect. Without question, the author is extremely knowledgeable about dogs and their traits, and his rescue and training experience lend credence to his descriptions and recommendations. Many reviewers suggest this book for first-time owners or for those who are just starting their study of dogs. This book would be great for those people, but it also offers details into so many breeds that all who live with, work with, or who just love and admire dogs will gain something from reading this book.

An Informative book.

I'm so glad to see this book on sale. It is informative and a great listen. I miss the Lucky Dog show and this is nice